ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Fit India Quiz 2022 State rounds to be aired on Fit India social media handles
The State Round episodes of the 2nd Fit India Quiz is set to be aired on the official YouTube and Facebook handles of Fit India starting June 10. This is India’s biggest quiz on sports and fitness quiz having a cash prize of ₹ 3.25 crore, that is taking place across 36 States and Union territories of India. A total of 84 episodes will be streamed on the social media pages of Fit India.
348 teams from 36 states/UTs will be competing to become the State/UT champion for their respective States/UTs. The 36 State/UT champions will further compete in the National Finals of the Fit India Quiz. A total of 120 rounds are being conducted to identify 36 State/UT champions in the month of May-June 2023. The 36 State finals will also be telecast on Doordarshan.
After the Preliminary Rounds of the Fit India Quiz, 348 schools and 418 students got selected for the State/UT round. Among the selected students, 39% were girl students. The selected schools formed a team of two students by nominating additional student from their schools and they will further compete in the State/UT championship through a series of web rounds.
The 2nd edition of the Fit India National Fitness and Sports Quiz for Schools was launched on 29th August last year on the eve of the National Sports Day by Hon’ble Union Minister, Youth Affairs & Sports and Information & Broadcasting Shri Anurag Singh Thakur and Hon’ble Minister of State, Youth Affairs & Sports and Ministry of Home Affairs, Shri Nisith Pramanik, in the presence of Hon’ble Union Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan.
The 2nd edition of the quiz has seen a massive participation of 61,981 students from 16,702 schools across 702 districts of India. In comparison, the first edition of the Fit India Quiz saw a total participation of 36,299 students from 13,502 schools.
The highest representation in the preliminary rounds of the Fit India Quiz 2022 was from the State of Uttar Pradesh – a total of 20,470 students from 5368 schools. UP was followed by Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
The Fit India Quiz gives a unique platform to school students from every nook and corner of the country to showcase their knowledge in sports and fitness and provides them an opportunity to feature on National Television.
Ministry of Defence
Chief of Army Staff proceeds on a visit to the Republic of Korea
General MM Naravane, the Chief of Army Staff  has proceeded on a three day visit to the Republic of Korea  from 28 to 30 December 2020. During the visit, he will be meeting senior military and civilian leadership of the Republic of Korea.
General Naravane will lay wreath at National Cemetery and War Memorial at Seoul. He is scheduled to call on with the Minister of National Defence, ROK Army Chief, Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Minister of Defence Acquisition Program Administration  where he will discuss avenues for enhancing India-ROK defence relations.
The Army Chief will also visit Korea Combat Training Centre in Inje Country, Gangwon Province and Agency Defence Development  at Daejeon.
Ministry of Coal
Under Special Campaign 2.0 Coal Ministry & PSUs dispose of 10266 MT scrap worth Rs. 70 crore from Nov, 2022 -Aug 2023
Recharge Wells constructed for rainwater harvesting
To curb Plastic use distribute Jute/Cloth bags
In the Special Campaign 2.0 launched by Government of India for disposal of pendencies, cleanliness, disposal of scrap and improving overall functioning in workplace, the Ministry of Coal has made significant achievements by implementing and monitoring the Special Campaign 2.0 in all the Public Sector Undertakings and field offices, under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Coal, during the period October, 2022 to Aug, 2023. The Special Campaign underscores the commitment of Ministry of Coal towards environmental responsibility and sustainable development.
Special Campaign 2.0 
During the Special Campaign, the Ministry cleaned a vast area of more than 3,023,788 square feet and over 5,409.5 metric tons of scrap was disposed of which earned revenue of Rs. 48.5 crores from Scrap disposal.
Innovative initiatives included transforming the Scrap Yard in Kothagudem Area, SCCL, Hyderabad, into productive Crop Land, contributing to sustainable land use. The creation of the "Kachra Udyan" , at Central Coalfield Limited , from scrap, disposed items, tires, pipes, and carts was widely applauded. This initiative is a pilot project slated for expansion at proposed Eco-parks and other coal company premises, showcasing a strong commitment to the 3R  concept and sustainable waste management.
Follow-up Action of Special Campaign 2.0 during the period Nov, 2022 to Aug, 2023 :
Ministry of Coal and it's PSU's accomplished the following under Follow-up Action of Special Campaign 2.0 during the period Nov, 2022 to Aug, 2023 :
o Cleaning an impressive 6,929,401 square feet of space, maintaining a high standard of cleanliness.
o Responsible disposal of over 10,266 metric tons of scrap, resulting in revenue generation of Rs. 70 crores.
o Extensive awareness campaigns for cleanliness, including banners, message displays, Nukkad Nataks , seminars, and counselling sessions.
o Constructing "Recharge Wells" for rainwater harvesting, contributing to water conservation efforts.
o Promoting awareness to curb the use of Single Use Plastics  and distributing eco-friendly Jute/Cloth Bags.
o Transforming waste land into a green belt, with approximately 108,900 sq. ft. of land near Thai Moogambigai Temple, Block-8, cleared of dense vegetation and repurposed for mass tree plantation and Green Belt Development.
o Utilizing freed spaces for multiple purposes, including parking, record rooms, sitting areas, construction of toilets, gardening, plantation, and expanding mine projects.
o Enhancing the work environment by placing small air purifier saplings in all sections of the Ministry with the logo "Swacchata Pakhwada 2023.
These ongoing initiatives reflect the Ministry of Coal and PSU's resolute commitment to fostering cleanliness, sustainability, and responsible waste management. Special Campaign 2.0 serves as a testament to their dedication to creating a cleaner, greener, and healthier environment for all.
Ministry of Tourism
A Two Day meeting on Destination Management and Community Participation Organized
A Two Day meeting on Destination Management and Community Participation will be organized by the Ministries of Tourism and Culture in cooperation with the Government of Gujarat at Rann of Kutch in Gujarat from 13th to 14th February 2020.
The event will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat and Hon’ble Minister of State for Tourism and Culture , Government of India on 13th February 2020. The meeting has been convened to discuss the importance of Destination Management and Community Participation in the tourism sector. The event shall involve speaker sessions by government officials, tourism industry, private sector entrepreneurs, etc. showcasing best practices / case studies from various States & Union Territories in the related field. The meeting shall aid in understanding the concepts & frameworks, approaches, challenges faced in implementation and impact generated by such initiatives on the society & the overall economy.
The event will highlight on benefits to local communities by way of imparting skillsets necessary for prudent hospitality industry and cross-cultural learning exchanges to improve employability of the local people. Socio-economic benefits for the community could be enabled by making them lead the development initiatives. Issues related to management of Destinations with Natural offerings and Man made will be discussed during the meeting.
The event aims to encourage constructive discussions and collaboration between various stakeholders for achieving sustainable destination. Based on recommendations and discussion, a Task Force shall be constituted to document the approach benefits, challenges, recommendations, case studies and proposed way forward action plan to assist in policy formulation and future reference for the stakeholders.
(Visitor Counter : 140
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 192.27 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 20.69 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
|
|
VACCINE DOSES
|
|

|
|
SUPPLIED
|
|
1,92,27,23,625
|
|
BALANCE AVAILABLE
|
|
20,69,39,951
More than 192.27 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than20.69 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Ministry of Finance
Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman and Finance Minister of Bhutan Mr Lyonpo Namgay Tshering jointly launch BHIM–UPI in Bhutan
Launch fulfils the commitment made by two countries during Prime Minister of India’s State visit to Bhutan in 2019
Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, along with her counterpart, the Hon’ble Finance Minister of Bhutan, Mr Lyonpo Namgay Tshering, jointly launched BHIM–UPI in Bhutan today afternoon in a virtual ceremony. The function was also attended by the Minister of State  Dr. Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad, the Governor of the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan Mr Dasho Penjore, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Shri Debasish Panda, the Ambassador of India to Bhutan, Ms Ruchira Kamboj, the Ambassador of Bhutan to India General V. Namgyel, and the MD & CEO of NPCI Shri Dilip Asbe.
Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State for Finance Dr Bhagwat Kisanrao Karad and Secretary, Department of Financial Services Shri Debashish Panda at the BHIM-UPI launch in New Delhi today.
While speaking on the occasion, Smt. Sitharaman said that the services have started in Bhutan under India's neighbourhood first policy and India is proud of our achievement and feel pleasure in sharing it with our valued neighbour. The Finance Minister said that BHIM UPI is one of the brightest spot and an achievement for digital transactions in India during the time of COVID-19 pandemic with more than 100 million UPI QRs have been created in last 5 years and BHIM UPI in 2020-21 has processed 22 billion transactions worth value Rs 41 lakh crore.
The Finance Minister of Bhutan, Mr Lyonpo Namgay Tshering, thanked and appreciated the Government of India for the launch of BHIM-UPI services in Bhutan and added that the bond between the two countries has become stronger each passing day.
This launch fulfils the commitment made by the two countries during the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India’s State visit to Bhutan in 2019. Following that visit, India and Bhutan have already enabled inter-operability in acceptance of Rupay cards in each other’s countries in two phases – acceptance of Rupay cards issued in India at Bhutan based terminals in the first phase, and vice versa in the second phase.
With today’s launch of BHIM-UPI in Bhutan, the payment infrastructures of the two countries are seamlessly connected and will benefit a large number of tourists and businessmen from India who travel to Bhutan each year. This will enhance the ease of living and ease of travelling through cashless transactions at the touch of a button.
As a part of the launch, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman also made a Live transaction using BHIM-UPI to purchase an organic product from a Bhutanese OGOP outlet, which sells fresh farm produce made organically by local communities in Bhutan.
Bhutan is the first country to adopt UPI standards for its QR deployment, and the first country in our immediate neighbourhood to accept mobile based payments through the BHIM App.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condemns attacks in Egypt
Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condemned the attacks in Egypt.
“Deeply pained by the attacks in Egypt. We condemn these attacks. My thoughts are with families of the deceased and prayers with the injured”, the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence signs MoU with IITE, Gandhinagar for training of 800 Sainik School teachers
Ministry of Defence  has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding  with Indian Institute of Teacher Education  Gandhinagar to facilitate training to teachers of Sainik Schools. The MoU was signed in New Delhi on December 10, 2021 by Joint Secretary  and Honorary Secretary, Sainik Schools Society , Shri Rakesh Mittal on behalf of MoD and Registrar of IITE Dr Himanshu Patel in the presence Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar and IITE Vice Chancellor Dr Harshad A Patel.
Terming the MoU as a significant step towards capacity building of teachers of Sainik Schools in terms of imparting quality education to students with Indian ethos, the Defence Secretary said it would help to enhance the brand of not only existing Sainik Schools but also 100 upcoming Schools.
The MoU is for the period of five years commencing with effect from January 2022 under which 800 plus teachers of all Sainik Schools will be trained through courses named ‘Gurudiksha’ & ‘Pratibaddhta’.
The main objective of this MoU is to nurture the teachers of tomorrow with the transformative knowledge of Indian traditions and usher in a new era of teacher education focusing upon the integral development of teachers. Some other salient features of the MoU are as follows:
 Implementation of New Education Policy in schools.
 Development of Leadership qualities among students.
 Time management of UPSC-NDA preparation and CBSE curriculum.
 Selection of appropriate pedagogies for academic subjects.
 Inspiring and motivating teachers and students.
 Lesson plan assessment strategies.
 Dealing with individual differences, emotional & behavioural problems of students as a Mentor.
 Dealing with parents as a mentor.
 Enhancing Teacher-Pupil relationship in boarding school environment.
Additional Secretary Smt Nivedita Shukla Verma and other senior civil and military officials of MoD were present on the occasion.
ABB/DK/RP
(Visitor Counter : 1147
Ministry of Defence
CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF  VISITS GUJARAT DAMAN AND DIU NAVAL AREA
Admiral Karambir Singh, the Chief of the Naval Staff  visited INS Dwarka, Indian Navy's forward operating base at Okha, Gujarat, on New Year's Eve.
The CNS was briefed by the Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat, Daman and Diu on maritime operations and security aspects relevant to Gujarat, Daman & Diu  Naval Area. He also took stock of coastal surveillance initiatives by GD&D Area and interacted with personnel from Naval Station Okha and other units.
Appreciating the quality work put in by the station, heencouraged the personnel to keep up the good work as INS Dwarka enters its Golden Jubilee year. TheCNS also wished all personnel and families at GD&D Area the very best for the New Year.
___________________________________________________________________
ABBB/VM/MS 107/20
(Visitor Counter : 397
President's Secretariat
President of India pays floral tributes to Shri R. Venkataraman on his birth anniversary
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, paid floral tributes to Shri R. Venkataraman, former President of India, on his birth anniversary at Rashtrapati Bhavan today .
The President, family members of Shri R. Venkataraman as well as officers and staff of the President’s Secretariat paid respects before a portrait of Shri Venkataraman.
Ministry of Science & Technology
S&T experts from member countries of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation discuss draft action plan on S&T Cooperation
Experts from the areas of Science and Technology from the member countries of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation  discussed priority areas for the formulation of draft action plan on Scientific and Technological Cooperation in Priority Areas for the year 2022-2025 at the expert meeting of the SCO Member States.
All the member countries agreed to the Draft Action Plan on Scientific and Technological Cooperation for the year 2022-2025, which identified 4 priority areas as Emerging Medical/Biotechnology, Electronics, Energy, Modern Technologies for Precision Agriculture.
Shri S.K. Varshney Adviser and Head International Cooperation Division, Department of Science & Technology, who represented the Indian side, highlighted the importance of the SCO framework in promoting scientific, technical, and innovative cooperation among member countries.
He also informed the members about the SCO Young Scientists conclave held in India in November 2020, in which 65 members from SCO countries participated. “The Young Scientist Conclave gave visibility and strategic edge to countries by engaging with youth,” he said. He also asked the expert members to reflect upon the areas identified in the previous sessions of SCO meetings and then move forward to decide on scope and timeline for the current Draft Action Plan.
The Expert Group discussed the implementation status of decisions of the 5th Meeting of the Heads of the Ministries and Agencies of Science and Technology of the Member States of SCO. They also coordinated the draft Action Plan in Priority Areas and agreed that the Technology Networks of priority areas in the SCO region are important to bridge the gap between all forms of research and humanitarian service sector.
During the meeting, the parties agreed to hold the 6th Meeting of Heads of the Ministries and Agencies of Science and Technology of the SCO Member States in April 2022.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation  was founded in 2001 by Heads of States of six countries, namely Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan joined in 2017. The main objective of SCO is the security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.
<><><><><>
SNC/RR
(Visitor Counter : 584
Ministry of Labour & Employment
All India Domestic Workers Survey undertaken by Labour Bureau
The identity of the respondent households is never revealed and the results are released based on aggregation of numbers only
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Shri Rameswar Teli in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today informed that the Labour Bureau, an attached office of the Ministry of Labour & Employment, has undertaken an All India Domestic Workers Survey by collecting information from the selected household across States and UTs including Maharashtra.
In the written reply it was stated that the All India Survey on Domestic and Migrant Workers has been conducted by selecting the sample households based on multi stage sampling design. The field works of All India survey on Domestic Workers is at final stages and the identity of the respondent households is never revealed and the results are released based on aggregation of numbers only.
Ministry of Power
Union Power Minister inaugurates projects worth Rs 6.99 Crore in Barhara , Bihar
The projects aims to improve and provide basic infrastructure & developmental facilities in the villages of Barhara block in Bhojpur district
Shri. R K Singh, the Union Minister of State  for Power & New and Renewable Energy inaugurated CSR projects undertaken by REC Ltd.  worth Rupees 6.99 Crore, in Barhara , Bihar, through video conferencing yesterday. There were a total of 77 schemes, which included 36 schemes for construction of P.C.C. roads, 23 schemes for installation of LED/ Solar and high mast lights, Construction of 3 Chat ghaat, Construction of 3 community hall & sub health centers and Installation of 12 nos. of arsenic removal plant.
The main objective of the projects is to improve and provide basic infrastructure & developmental facilities in the villages of Barhara block in Bhojpur district. Shri S. K. Gupta, CMD, Shri Ajoy Choudhury, Director , Shri R. Lakshmanan, IAS, ED from REC Limited shared their thoughts on the occasion. Other district officials, public from Barhara were present during the occasion. The event was graced by Shri Raghvendra Pratap Singh, Ex MLA and Ex Minister, Govt. of Bihar who addressed the gathering at the occasion in Barhara.
About REC Limited: REC Limited  is a Navratna NBFC focusing on Power Sector Financing and Development across India. Established in 1969, REC Limited has completed over fifty years in the area of its operations. It provides financial assistance across the power-sector value chain. Apart from this, REC is also the nodal agency for Govt. of India flagship schemes in the Power sector like Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana , Saubhagya, etc.
RCJ/M
(Visitor Counter : 334
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
MYTH V/S FACTS
Reports being circulated on social media regarding adulteration in milk adversely affecting the health of public in the country is false and contrary to facts
Government is taking all possible steps to help supply of safe and good quality milk to the consumers across the country
False information being circulated on social media and WhatsApp should not be given any credence whatsoever
It has come to the notice of Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying , Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying that a media report about a WHO advisory to the Government of India allegedly states that, if adulteration of milk and milk products is not checked immediately, 87 % of citizen would be suffering from serious disease like cancer by the year 2025. Dissemination of this kind of false information is creating unnecessary panic among the consumers.
In this regard, the Department has informed that this matter has already been examined in the Department in consultation with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India . WHO country office in India confirmed to FSSAI that no such advisory has been issued by WHO to Government of India ever.
The Department has reiterated that this kind of false information being circulated in the social media and on WhatsApp should not be given any credence whatsoever. Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying , Government of India and FSSAI are taking all possible steps to help supply of safe and good quality milk to the consumers across the country.
Moreover, as per Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2021 published by the Department the daily milk production in the country during 2018-19 was 51.4 crore Kg per day and not 14 crore litres per day as mentioned in the above mentioned news report. Milk production in the country has increased from 146.3 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 221.06 million tonnes  in 2021-22 with the annual Growth Rate of 6.1%. The Department had also conducted a study on Demand of Milk and Milk Product in India during 2019. As per the study, the total consumption at the All India level in 2019 was 162.4 million metric tonnes  for milk and milk products. Thus, Milk Production in the country is sufficient to meet the domestic demand.
The Quality of milk and milk products to be sold in market is governed by Standards laid down and enforced by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India . In the last nation-wide National Milk Safety and Quality Survey conducted by FSSAI, out of 6,432 samples of milk taken, only 12 samples  were found adulterated that render the milk unsafe for human consumption. While, this is a concern but it is far from the perception that liquid milk in the country is largely adulterated.